It likes to talk to us, from the vantage point of being perched on our shoulder, where we can't really see it, never offering to look at us in the eye.

It likes to bring up old fears, and is really savvy at knowing what makes us weak.

Often, all it takes to send it away, is one good clear question. A question that will cut through the vague threats, the terrible, terrible stories.

This questions is:

What it the worse that can happen?

Once we have asked that question, it's good to listen for the answer (and it may be a little minute before a concrete answer shows up. Wait for the concrete). Then, maybe ask again. And maybe one more time.

Ask until you have a crystal clear / can taste it picture of what this worse scenario looks like. Then sit with it. Look at it. Settle into it. Get as cozy as you can with it.

How bad is it? One a scale of 1 to 10, what is it?

Chances are, it's not a 10. Maybe a 9, but most likely not a 10.

Certainly not the 12 "Things-Can-Get-Really-Bad" big fat bully voice wanted us to believe.

You see, clarity killed the bully. It took a whole lot of courage, but it did it.

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